Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Using T8 Flourescent Lights for Hydroponics

I've been using T8 flourescent lighting in my basement gardening project. I chose T8's because they are inexpensive. At 36 watts, they also use very little electricity. After using the lights for 5 weeks, I have a few observations I'd like to share.

Pro's:

Inexpensive price

Easily accessible

Low energy usage

Little heat build-up

Con's:

Low light intensity

Short coverage area

Low heat build-up

You may have noticed that I mentioned heat build-up as a positive and a negative characteristic of the lights. A larger light with more intensity sometimes requires a cooling fan to ensure safe operation. The T8's low heat characteristics help make these lights safer to use indoors. I am using the lights in my basement where it does tend to be on the cooler side with temperatures in the mid-sixties or sometimes lower during the winter months. A warmer light would probably promote faster growth for my lettuce, spinach, collards, and kale in my deep water culture system, but in my own personal view I'm not sure the increased purchase price for the fixture, long term energy cost, and risk of excessive heat build-up would be worth it. I am personally satisified with the T8's so far. But, as you can see from the picture of the kale and collards below, I need to purchase additional lights to get proper light coverage for a wider area.

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Kale

Collards

These pictures demonstrate growth, but at a much slower rate compared to the spinach and lettuce that are located more directly below the four T8 light bulbs that I am using. I have no doubt that if the kale and collards were located more directly below the T8 bulbs, the growth would be greater. I plan to add two additional T8 fixtures in the future to improve my results.

Hi. Thanks for letting me know. I have contacted them to remind them that they really should have asked for permission before using the picture. It's likely that I wouldn't have minded if they asked for permission, but it would have been nice for credit to be given or at least a link on their website back to my site: www.backyardurbangardening.com

Amateur Hydroponic Tips for Deep Water Culture

1. Wash your hydroton before using it. I didn't do that in my first project and ended up with a film of clay dust throughout the water chamber in my deep water culture bins.

2. Adjust your lighting before planting. It's very difficult to make adjustments after you've planted when using deep water culture.

3. Use a commercially produced nutrient. DIY is great for most things, but why not take advantage of professional research and development to flatten the initial hydroponic learning curve?

4. Shop around for the best prices. Some hydroponic shops are "friendlier" than others and it follows that some have lower prices than the competition.

5. DIY is cheaper than paying full retail for a "kit" system. You can look around on the Internet and find several examples at inexpensive, but effective hydroponic growing systems you can assemble yourself.

About Us

We grow vegetables in Earthboxes, in raised beds, in the backyard, aquaponically, hydroponically, and in the basement.

We grew up in rural communities where land was vast and plentiful. As kids, we worked in the family vegetable garden. We have relocated to suburbia, but we haven't given up on growing our own food. It saves money. It's great exercise. And, it's an activity we do together. Thanks for joining us.

French Angora Rabbits Wanted

My wife and I are in search of two French Angora rabbits approximatley 1 year old (or less). If you have some rabbits for sale (or know someone who does), please contact us. We live 20 minutes west of Detroit on I-94.